1 Samuel 1:1-20
The Family of Elkanah
Verse 1-2
There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
In this passage, we are introduced to Elkanah, a man from Ramathaim who lived in the hill country of Ephraim. His family lineage is also outlined, giving us an idea of his heritage.
Verse 3-5
He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.
Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah had children, Hannah remained childless. This would become a significant point of contention in their household.
Verse 6-7
Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah, he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb.
During the annual sacrifice, Elkanah would give portions of the meat to his family members. Although Hannah was childless, Elkanah loved her and gave her a double portion, showing his affection for her.
Verse 8-10
His wife Hannah was upset and would not eat, and her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you hurt? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
Hannah's childlessness weighed heavily on her, causing her to be upset and refuse to eat. Elkanah, attempting to comfort her, asked why she was so distraught, reminding her that he loved her more than ten sons would.
Verse 11-15
And Hannah prayed and said: "My Lord, if you will look upon my affliction, if you will remember me and not forget your maid, but will give your maid a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head."
Hannah prayed fervently, asking God to remember her and to grant her a son. In return, she vowed to dedicate her son to God's service, promising that no razor would ever touch his head.
Verse 16-18
As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was barely audible. Therefore, Eli thought she was drunk.
While Hannah prayed, Eli, the priest, observed her from a distance. Thinking she was drunk, he did not realize she was praying silently.
Verse 19-20
Elkanah and his wife Hannah got up early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord. Afterward, they returned home to Ramah. Elkanah had marital relations with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.
Elkanah and Hannah worshiped God together, and afterward, they returned home. Elkanah and Hannah resumed their marital relations, and God remembered Hannah, implying that her prayer had been heard.
In this passage, we see Hannah's desperation and devotion to God, as well as her husband's love and support. We are left anticipating the answer to her prayer, which will be revealed in the subsequent verses.
